​History of the
Peninsula Italian American Lodge #2145
The Peninsula Italian-American Lodge No. 2145 of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) had its beginnings in the year 1959 when a group organized by Vincent D’errico, Henry Veltri and John Maio formed a local unaffiliated club. The purposes of the organization were charitable, civic, fraternal and social for those of similar origin, background, heritage and custom.
In 1961, an active Ladies Auxiliary was formed as a separate group.
In 1962, the Peninsula Italian-American Club became affiliated with the Order Sons of Italy in America (which has since had a name change to Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America), the oldest and largest organization of Italian-Americans in the United States. At that time, both men and women joined together as members of the same lodge.
The Peninsula Italian-American Lodge flourished until the year 1967 when the lodge became inactive. However, Brother Frank Bevelacqua, who served as treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Virginia and who had been a charter member and very active in the local lodge, kept the charter alive and led a drive to reactivate the lodge.
Over our 57 years of existence, we have hosted such events as Columbus Day Dances, many banquets of savory Italian food, social activities, picnics, and charity drives.
We support the Sons and Daughters of Italy National charities; Azheimer’s Association, Cooley’s Anemia, and The Doug Flutie Jr Foundation for Autism as well as local charities such as Transitions and Menchville House.
The members of the Peninsula Italian-American Lodge No. 2145 OSDIA are justly proud of the many contributions they have made to the charitable causes and civic affairs of the community.